Luna Pier Beach Tainted Again

For the second week in a row, Monroe County health officials are advising people to avoid contact with water at the Luna Pier public beach due to bacterial contamination.

Surface water samples taken Tuesday showed levels of E-coli bacteria exceeded maximum allowable standards and the health department is advising against full body contact or swimming at the beach until further notice.

Chris Westover, director of the county’s environmental health division, said his agency plans to take samples again Thursday and will determine if the advisory should be lifted after results are known.

E-coli bacteria can cause illness if ingested or infections if the bacteria gets into open sores or cuts.

Last week, advisories were issued for both Luna Pier and Woodland Beach, but were lifted before the weekend.